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Hello Fellow Travelers!
Imagine traveling to a distant place, where you'll need to turn right and head uphill to witness the majestic Lake Apo! It was a rather dull Saturday, so we decided to venture out and visit this beautiful location. We arrived at Lake Apo at half past ten, and I was eager to experience its wonders up close.

How did Lake Apo form?

Let me walk you through that. Lake Apo was formed within an ancient volcanic cone, which is now inactive. Although the Philippines is situated in the Pacific Ring of Fire and is therefore prone to volcanic activity, Lake Apo is simply a crater lake that has accumulated rainwater in the crater over time. As constant rainfall filled the crater, the lake emerged.

Do You Know?

Lake Apo is recognized as the cleanest inland body of water in Northern Mindanao, likely due to its high water quality and the pristine environment surrounding it. The name "Apo" comes from the Bisaya term meaning "elder" or "grandparent." According to legend, a man who lived in the mountains assaulted his granddaughter and was punished by the mountain deities for his disrespectful act, leading to a flood that formed Lake Apo.

Here is the source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Apo

As I saw the lake, I was mesmerized by its beauty, and the water was really pristine and so wonderful. This Lake is not only for sightseeing, but it also has floating rafts and cottages you can rent and sail in the center of the lake. Just be careful that you don't fall, we don't know what's below the green pristine water. It's a very peaceful, affordable entrance fee. It's great for family and you can have a picnic there too, but be responsible in throwing your garbage to avoid spoiling the place. You are not allowed to swim here, just rent a floating raft so you to get to the center of the lake.
If you are a nature lover and this is a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts and seekers of tranquility.

Many tourists visit just to take photos of the lake and share them on social media, proudly proclaiming, "I've made it!" The lake's color can vary, likely due to the angle at which the photos were taken.

In this photo, the lake's color resembles emerald green, harmonizing with the grass and trees. The rafts are securely tied to the trees to prevent drifting. There is no garbage, just clear water.

This viewpoint is situated at a high elevation, allowing visitors to see the majority of the lake's shape. Efforts have been made to preserve the area for future generations so that everyone can appreciate the natural beauty of the lake.

Previously, the restrooms were not well-maintained, and the government gave little priority to cleanliness in the area. Due to numerous complaints from tourists regarding the lack of cleanliness, officials took action to ensure the site is well cared for. They have hired staff to maintain the area's upkeep.

Here are some interesting facts about Lake Apo:

Lake Apo was awarded the cleanest inland body of water in Northern Mindanao Region (Region X) in the late 1990s. The green body of water has an estimated area of 24 hectares (59 acres) with maximum depths reaching up to 26 m (85 ft). Lake Apo from an overlooking ridge in Valencia, Bukidnon.

There are several floating rafts available for rent, costing around 400 pesos. It's advisable to arrive early to have more time to explore the area. The fees collected contribute to maintaining the cleanliness and orderliness of Lake Apo.